Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2026
The Portable Chemical Sterilizer (PCS), D-FENS, and D-FEND ALL: Novel Chlorine Dioxide Decontamination Technologies for the Military
Published on: June 29, 2014
Effects of different disinfectants on decontamination of laryngoscopes
1Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Celal Bayar University, Turkey. idiltekin@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Guidelines for controlling possible contamination of laryngoscopes should be formulated with the benefit of relevant experimental data. In this study, the effects of five different disinfectants commonly used for the disinfection of laryngoscopes are evaluated. We formed 14 groups, with 10 blades in each. The first 7 groups were contaminated with hospital related meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and the remaining 7 groups with hospital related multiple resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). For the first group of blades, no disinfection procedure was carried out and, were assumed as a control group. Blades in remaining groups were rested for 10 minutes in containers containing 70% alcohol (II), 1/100 dilution of cetrimide (III), 1/100 dilution of chlorhexidine (IV), 1/10 dilution of chlorhexidine (V), 1/10 dilution of povidone iodine (VI), and 1/100 dilution of ammonium chloride (VII). Disinfectant used in a group was considered effective when growth was seen in 5 or less than 5 plates representing that group. All disenfectants tested were found effective on decontamination of laryngoscopes. Five different moderate level disinfectants, which are commonly used for the disinfection of laryngoscopes, have been found effective even on resistant hospital microorganisms like MRSA and P. aeruginosa. They may be the choices of the disinfectants, especially 1/10 dilution of chlorhexidine gluconate and 1/100 dilution of ammonium chloride.
Insights
Five common disinfectants effectively decontaminate laryngoscopes, including those with resistant bacteria like MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Notably, 1/10 dilution chlorhexidine and 1/100 dilution ammonium chloride show strong efficacy for instrument disinfection.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Microbiology
- Medical Device Disinfection
Background:
- Laryngoscope contamination poses a risk in healthcare settings.
- Effective disinfection protocols are crucial for patient safety.
- Experimental data is needed to guide laryngoscope disinfection guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of five common disinfectants against resistant bacteria on laryngoscopes.
- To provide data supporting the formulation of laryngoscope disinfection guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Laryngoscope blades were contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA).
- Blades were disinfected for 10 minutes using 70% alcohol, cetrimide, chlorhexidine (1:100 and 1:10), povidone iodine, or ammonium chloride (1:100).
- Effectiveness was determined by bacterial growth on culture plates (≤5 plates indicating efficacy).
Main Results:
- All tested disinfectants demonstrated effectiveness in decontaminating laryngoscopes.
- Moderate-level disinfectants were effective against resistant strains like MRSA and P. aeruginosa.
- 1:10 dilution chlorhexidine gluconate and 1:100 dilution ammonium chloride were particularly effective.
Conclusions:
- Commonly used disinfectants are effective for laryngoscope decontamination.
- Specific formulations, such as 1:10 chlorhexidine and 1:100 ammonium chloride, are recommended.
- These findings support evidence-based guidelines for medical instrument disinfection.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cleaning, Sterilization, and Disinfection
Cleaning
The cleaning process usually involves using water with detergents or enzymatic cleaner and removing foreign material from objects and surfaces, including organic material such as body fluids or inorganic material like soil. Cleaning is performed before high-level disinfection and sterilization because foreign materials on the cover of the devices interfere with process...
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
01:30Methods of Sterilization II: Chemical Methods
Using chemical sterilization rather than heat to clean out equipment is recommended. It eradicates and removes all bacteria,...
01:23Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
01:29Methods of Sterilization I: Physical Methods
Steam sterilization uses non-toxic, low-cost moist heat in the form of saturated steam under pressure, which is fast, microbicidal, and sporicidal, and quickly warms and penetrates fabrics. Autoclaves, or steam sterilizers, expose each item to direct steam contact for a predetermined time at the necessary...
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration